Bank holiday tomorrow, October 26: Banks to remain closed in select cities, check state-wise list
Bank holiday tomorrow, October 26, 2026, will affect select cities, including Agartala, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla and Srinagar, for regional observances. Banks are not scheduled to close nationwide. Check the state-wise list to see where branches are expected to remain shut and whether your local bank is likely to operate as usual.
Banks in several Indian cities will be closed on October 26 in observance of several regional holidays. Full details here.
Farooq Abdullah says Pakistan protecting Kashmiris; BJP leaders accuse him of treason
Baramulla , Oct 24 : National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday claimed that Pakistan was protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir by repeatedly raising the Kashmir issue at international forums, while alleging that the Centre's intentions towards the region were not good. Addressing a workers' convention here, Abdullah questioned whether Kashmiris could expect justice from Delhi and said, Pakistan's continued efforts to raise the Kashmir issue internationally were putting pressure on India. What can you expect from Delhi? You must have the courage to stand up to them and fight. If you do not, you will be wiped out. Your name and identity will disappear, and no one will even remember you. Our neighbour is constantly after them. It goes everywhere, saying that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. It is protecting us; otherwise, their intentions are not good. They say one thing but do something entirely different, Abdullah said. He further called on people to stand by the truth, warning that their future would remain insecure unless they spoke out and stood firm. You must have the courage to stand by the truth. Speaking the truth is not easy, but unless you speak the truth and stand firm by it, your future will never be secure, he said. Abdullah's remarks drew strong criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who accused him of echoing Pakistan's narrative and questioned his comments on the country's role in Jammu and Kashmir. The remarks triggered sharp reactions from leaders who accused him of making anti-national statements and demanded action against him. Uttar Pradesh Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna accused Abdullah of exploiting Kashmiris throughout his political career and said the region's integration into the national mainstream under the Modi government was in the best interests of its people. It is people like Farooq Abdullah who have exploited Kashmir throughout their lives. Farooq Abdullah is responsible for reducing Kashmiris to second-class citizens, and he ought not to be making such statements. It is precisely because of Indias diversity that Kashmir is now integrated into the nations mainstream, and every citizen of Kashmir enjoys the same rights as those in the rest of India. Therefore, the current situation in Kashmirbrought about by the Modi governmentis what is truly in the best interest of the Kashmiri people. Today, the people of Kashmir are at their happiest, thanks to the Modi government, Khanna said. BJP leader Ravinder Raina termed Abdullah's statement highly condemnable and unfortunate, accusing him of treason and alleging that Pakistan had supported terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for decades. The statement made by Dr. Farooq Abdullah regarding Kashmir and Pakistan is highly condemnable and unfortunate; in fact, Dr. Farooq Abdullah has committed an act of treason. Pakistan is the killer of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Over the last 35 years, Pakistan has sought to turn Jammu and Kashmir into a graveyard and a cremation ground. This is the very same Pakistan that has fostered terrorism within Jammu and Kashmirproviding training, bombs, guns, pistols, ammunition, and grenades to terrorists. How could Pakistan ever be a well-wisher to the people of Jammu and Kashmir? Raina said. BJP leader Altaf Thakur also condemned Abdullah's remarks, calling them an attack on the country's unity and integrity and demanding action against the National Conference chief. This is an open rebellion against the country. His statement is against the unity and integrity of the country. The National Conference has always been anti-country. The statement made by Farooq Abdullah is completely an anti-country statement. Action should be taken against him, Thakur said. Janata Dal (United) state president G M Shaheen also criticised Abdullah, questioning why the National Conference chief continued to echo Pakistan's narrative despite having held several constitutional positions. When a leader like Farooq Abdullah makes such a statement and supports Pakistan, what else can I call it but a misfortune? He has served as a Chief Minister, a member of the Rajya Sabha, and a Member of Parliament; he has worked within the framework of the countrys Constitutionyet, he chooses to speak the language of Pakistan. It is truly shameful. If Jammu and Kashmir is safe, it is because of India. Why does he always echo Pakistans narrative? The militancy that has plagued Kashmir since the 1990s was, in part, a consequence of his government. Whenever these people have come to power, they have invariably begun to speak the language of Pakistan. This is nothing new for Farooq Abdullah, but the nation should hold him accountable, Shaheen said. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma also criticised Abdullah, questioning his allegations against India and asking whether he considered himself separate from the country. If we point out that they lack love for the country, they immediately start complaining that such things are being said about them. He himself served as Chief Minister, and now his son is Chief Minister. He has full access to all resourcesfrom across India and everywhere else. Yet, he still makes such accusations. If he claims that Indias intentions were not good, does that mean he views himself as separate from India? He should learn from his own sonOmar Abdullah, Sharma said. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vinod Bansal also condemned Abdullah's remarks, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir would always remain an integral part of India and questioning his reference to Pakistan. Kashmir was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India. They live in India and sing praises of Pakistan. Is Kashmir safe because of Pakistan, or is Kashmir safe by showing India's strength to Pakistan? If this is his statement, then there is no greater treason than this, Bansal said. Meanwhile, Congress leaders disagreed with Abdullah's remarks about Pakistan but also raised concerns over the political and administrative situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the continued denial of statehood. Congress leader Ravinder Sharma reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and accused Pakistan of spreading terrorism. He cited the Shimla Agreement while arguing that Pakistan had no right to raise the Kashmir issue, and also referred to concerns over the treatment of minorities and the delay in restoring statehood. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and it will remain an integral part. Pakistan spreads terrorism. Pakistan has no right or claim to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmirespecially following the Shimla Agreement, in which it was agreed in writing that bilateral issues would be addressed through direct, bilateral engagement. Thirdly, regarding Farooq Abdullahs remarks: he pointed to the disenfranchisement of minority voters, the use of bulldozers against minorities, and other forms of oppression, noting that there is an elected government in Kashmir. The Congress party is also fighting for thisdemanding to know why, despite repeated promises, an undertaking given to the Supreme Court, and discussions in Parliament, statehood is still being denied to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In that context, we also recognise that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are facing oppression, Sharma said. Congress leader Rashid Alvi also disagreed with Abdullah's position, while questioning Pakistan's handling of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). I do not agree with Farooq Abdullah on this. There is no doubt that the BJP government has committed excesses in Kashmir. But what is happening in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)? People there regularly protest against the Pakistani government. If the people in PoK are unhappy and dissatisfied with the Pakistani government, what can Pakistan do about our Kashmir? Alvi said. Apart from his remarks on Pakistan and Delhi, Abdullah raised concerns over the implementation of a mandatory two-year service requirement for doctors who pursue medical courses in Jammu and Kashmir. He alleged that a file related to the matter had been pending with the Lieutenant Governor for a year. Doctors who come from outside Jammu and Kashmir to pursue MBBS, MD, or MS courses, as well as students who study medicine here, are required to serve for two years in villages, hospitals, and other areas across the region. If they fail to fulfil this requirement, they must pay 50 Lakh to the administration. This is a region where a file has been pending with the Lieutenant Governor for a year, yet it has still not been approved. This is the state of affairs here. What can you expect from Delhi? Can you really expect them to deliver justice to you? Abdullah said. (ANI)
SIT Probes Former Shimla SSP For Alleged Fund Misuse
A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed in Shimla to probe two cases against former SSP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi. The allegations include misappropriation and misuse of government funds, cheating, and using forged documents, totalling over Rs 16 lakh. Gandhi denies the charges, claiming he is being targeted.
Minimise wildlife accidental fatalities on Manali highway: Himachal CM
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 24 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday stressed the need to ensure wildlife safety and implement appropriate measures to minimise wildlife-related accidental fatalities along the Kiratpur-Manali national highway adjoining the Suket forest division in Mandi district. This issue was prominently deliberated at the 12th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife. Besides the wildlife mortality, the meeting discussed proposals relating to industrial development, strategic border infrastructure, road connectivity, diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes and wildlife conservation. The proposals were discussed in view of developmental requirements, national security, environmental protection and wildlife conservation, a statement by the government said. The board deliberated upon the proposal for diversion of 1.78.20 hectares of forest land in favour of the 17th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed in Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district for the establishment of a border out post at Muhal Lalung and Dhar Chokula in Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti district. In addition, the proposal for diversion of 1.60 hectares of forest land in favour of the IInd Battalion of the ITBP deployed in Kullu for the establishment of a forward post at Nithal Thach in Kinnaur was discussed. The proposal for diversion of forest land within the Rakcham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of 11 MAHAR Regiment/ Headquarters 136 (Independent) Infantry Brigade Group for the development of military infrastructure along the northern border at Nagasti in Sangla in Kinnaur was also placed before the board. The proposal for diversion of 4.72 hectares of forest land within the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department in Seraj Division for the widening and upgradation of the Bhulah-Shikari Devi Road was also discussed. After deliberations, all the proposals were approved, keeping in view the applicable statutory provisions and the requirements of wildlife conservation and environmental protection, the statement said. The Chief Minister also sought the panchayat-wise data on monkeys and also reviewed the under-construction Durgesh Arananya Zoological Park Bankhandi in Dehra of Kangra district, and directed to expedite the construction work.
Centre has approved 320 PG medical seats for Himachal, says Nadda
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 24 (IANS) Union Health Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Saturday announced a major boost to medical education in Himachal Pradesh, approving the proposal for 320 additional Postgraduate (PG) medical seats in six government medical colleges. The Centre will provide approximately Rs 415 crore as a grant for this significant initiative. In an address to the people of his home state, Nadda said under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership several transformative initiatives have been implemented in medical education and healthcare in the past 12 years. As part of these efforts, the Central government approved a Rs 15,000 crore scheme to add 10,000 new medical seats across the country over five years. He said Himachal Pradesh would benefit significantly from this initiative, with all 320 proposed PG medical seats receiving approval. Providing the college-wise distribution, Nadda said 91 seats have been approved for Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla; 57 for Government Medical College in Hamirpur; 55 for Ner Chowk Medical College in Mandi; 57 for Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda; 32 for Government Medical College in Nahan; and 28 for Government Medical College in Chamba. Highlighting the speed of the approval process, Nadda said the Himachal Pradesh government submitted its proposal on June 23. Subsequently, during the convocation ceremony at AIIMS Bilaspur on October 6, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu discussed the matter with him. The Central government has now approved all 320 proposed seats. Nadda said the additional seats would strengthen specialised medical services, including surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, oncology and other critical medical disciplines. He emphasised that the initiative would create greater opportunities for medical graduates to pursue postgraduate education while improving access to specialised healthcare services closer to people's homes. Nadda urged the Himachal Pradesh government to complete all necessary administrative and regulatory formalities without delay to ensure the timely creation and operationalisation of these 320 seats. He also expressed concern over delays in other centrally supported development projects, particularly the construction of Critical Care Blocks and Public Health Laboratories, and called upon the state government to accelerate their implementation. Referring to railway infrastructure, Nadda highlighted pending issues relating to the state's financial contribution and land availability for the Chandigarh-Baddi and Bhanupalli-Bilaspur railway projects. He stressed that development projects directly benefiting the public must not suffer unnecessary delays because of pending administrative or financial decisions. The Central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, remains fully committed to extending every possible assistance for the development of Himachal Pradesh. Our priority is clear: The development of Himachal Pradesh, greater opportunities for its youth and the welfare of every family, Nadda said. He added that while the Central government was fulfilling its responsibilities with determination, the state government must demonstrate equal commitment to ensuring the effective and timely implementation of development projects.
Shimla Hosts 13th MTB Himalaya Mountain Bike Race
The 13th MTB Himalaya Shimla mountain bike race commenced on Friday, drawing over 80 participants from 20 cities for a three-day event. Riders will tackle 130 km and 3,800m of climbing, predominantly off-road, with gravel bikes allowed for the first time. Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary KK Pant underscored the government's support for cycling development.
FIR registered against former Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi over financial irregularities
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FIR against former Shimla SP Gandhi for cheating constable
Upper-Caste Activists Gherao HP Secretariat, Demand UGC Rollback, Swaran Aayog
As the traffic came to a standstill in Chota Shimla, police deployed water cannons and used mild force to disperse the demonstrators.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday said that he has failed to understand the reasons behind opposition parties' criticism of India hosting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai. He also listed past instances when leaders have met foreign leaders outside Delhi. I didn't get that. They don't like Mumbai? I mean, they have something against Mumbai? I think it is a great city, it is our financial capital. It is our Bollywood capital. It has got so much going for it. Maybe Mumbai doesn't like them... I have no idea why they have this reservation, said EAM Jaishankar while speaking at the NDTV World Summit. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had last week taken a swipe at the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Rubio's meeting EAM Jaishankar in Mumbai, terming it as summoning. EAM Jaishankar then went on to list a few examples when India has hosted visiting foreign leaders outside Delhi. If going out of Delhi to meet a foreign leader or a foreign counterpart is summoning, I can give you a lot of examples. Mrs (Indira) Gandhi went to Shimla to meet Bhutto. Was she summoned? Salman Khurshid went to Jaipur to meet a Pakistan PM. Was he summoned? he asked. We are adults, let's have an adult conversation. Let's leave, you know, said EAM Jaishankar amid a round of applause from the gathering at the venue. EAM Jaishankar hosted counterparts from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States in Mumbai on October 19-20 and also attended the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the US as a Guest of Honour. Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also dismissed any criticism about the choice of Mumbai as a venue for EAM Jaishankar's bilateral engagements. It has been the practice for the last decade or so that we have hosted foreign dignitaries outside Delhi. To just give you some examples, Prime Minister hosted the Prime Minister of Spain in Baroda. He hosted Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad. Prime Minister of Mauritius was hosted by him in Varanasi, and the External Affairs Minister hosted the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Goa. He hosted the Foreign Minister of Botswana in Kevadia in Gujarat, and the External Affairs Minister also hosted the Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar. So, that was just to give you a few examples of the meetings of leaders, of dignitaries that have happened outside of Delhi, stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday. /as
FIR Against Former Shimla SSP For Alleged Fund Misappropriation
Shimla police have registered an FIR against former city SSP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi for allegedly misappropriating Rs 2.35 lakh from a government fund and defrauding a police constable. The constable claimed he was not reimbursed for Rs 1.87 lakh spent from his personal account on official duties, despite signing a payment voucher.
Hundreds of protesters associated with the Rashtriya Devbhoomi Party on Thursday marched to the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat in Shimla after completing a 600-km, 21-day 'Swarn Samaj Ashwamedh Nyay Yatra', demanding the rollback of UGC provisions, enactment of a law for the protection of the Swarn Samaj and action on issues concerning social justice. The protesters, who began their march today on 21st day from near the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Shimla, travelled through Khalini and Tolland before reaching the Secretariat, covering approximately seven kilometres on foot. They subsequently gathered outside the state government complex and sought to submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Police deployed at the Secretariat pushed and stopped them, and mild force was used after protesters attempted to move towards or enter the premises, as the demonstration escalated. The protesters were demanding that the government receive their memorandum and address their...
HPNLU Professor of Law Recruitment 2026
Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla (HPNLU) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for 2 Professor of Law posts. The online application process will be conducted from 22 October 2026 to 21 November 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, hpnlu.ac.in.
Himachal CM Sukhu burns Ravana effigies at Dussehra in Shimla
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Shimla-Rampur-Reckong Peo helicopter service to start on October 21
Helicopter services linking Sanjauli in Shimla with Rampur and Reckong Peo will begin on October 21. The service aims to improve air connectivity and provide easier transport options for residents in remote areas. It will operate three days a week, offering timely departures and arrivals. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced this initiative to enhance regional transportation.
Himachal CM opens two blocks of state Secretariat
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 18 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday inaugurated Blocks 1 and 2 of Phase IV of the Armsdale Building at the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, built at a cost of Rs 9 crore. On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that infrastructure expansion was essential alongside development. The Secretariat building had been expanded, and offices would be shifted to the new premises shortly. Replying to a media query, Chief Minister Sukhu said the number of postgraduate (PG) medical seats across the state's six government medical colleges had been increased from 277 to 597, marking a historic addition of 320 seats. He added that the number of PG seats at Indira Gandhi Medical College in Shimla has been increased from 139 to 230, an increase of 91 seats. At Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda, the number of seats had risen from 99 to 156, up by 57 seats. At Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College in Mandi, the number of seats had risen from 24 to 79, an addition of 55 seats. And at YS Parmar Government Medical College in Nahan, the PG seats has been increased from three to 35 seats. At Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba, the seats have been increased from four to 32, while at Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College in Hamirpur, the PG seats have been increased from eight to 65 seats. The Chief Minister said the state government was placing special emphasis on strengthening government medical colleges, expanding opportunities for PG medical education and improving the availability of specialised healthcare services. Chief Minister Sukhu said the increase in PG medical seats would provide young doctors with greater opportunities to pursue specialised medical education within the state. It would also increase the availability of trained specialist doctors in government hospitals. He added that that nearly 15 to 20 years old health equipment were being replaced with modern machines. He said that healthcare institutions were being equipped with machinery at par with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
World-renowned Kullu Dussehra celebrated at Parliament Hill in Ottawa
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 18 (IANS) The world-renowned Kullu Dussehra festival was celebrated at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, highlighting the rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and folk art of Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually addressed the event and lauded the Himachali Pravasi Global Association (HPGA) for bringing the states cultural traditions to an international platform. In his video message, the Chief Minister said the enthusiasm with which the Indian diaspora celebrates festivals, culture and traditions across the world reflects the enduring values of Indian civilisation and the legacy of unity in diversity. Describing Dussehra as a symbol of the victory of good over evil, Sukhu said the festival conveys the message of standing fearlessly for what is right. He emphasised that no matter how powerful evil may appear, Dharma will ultimately triumph over Adharma. The event was hosted by Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orleans, and organised by the HPGA with the enthusiastic support of more than 35 Indo-Canadian organisations. It brought together members of the Indian diaspora, particularly those with roots in Himachal Pradesh, along with community leaders, cultural enthusiasts and distinguished guests. Sukhu said the celebration at one of Canadas most iconic national landmarks reflected Himachal Pradeshs growing international presence and the recognition of the skills, talent and leadership of its people worldwide. He added that such initiatives provide an important opportunity to showcase the states rich traditions, cultural diversity and spiritual heritage on the global stage. A major attraction of the celebration was the presentation of traditional Himachali folk dances, including Naati and Jhamakra, alongside a vibrant performance of Ram Leela. These cultural performances highlighted the efforts of the Indo-Canadian community to preserve and promote Indian traditions and pass them on to future generations. The event also offered guests a taste of Himachal Pradeshs culinary heritage. Traditional Himachali delicacies, including the states famous Dham, were served, showcasing the distinctive flavours and hospitality associated with the hill state. The Chief Minister appreciated the HPGAs efforts to unite Himachalis living abroad, promote the states cultural heritage and tourism potential, and strengthen meaningful connections between the global Himachali community and Canada, their adopted homeland. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also conveyed his warm wishes on the occasion of Kullu Dussehra. He acknowledged the importance of cultural diversity, community engagement and the valuable contributions of Indo-Canadians to Canadas multicultural society. The HPGA board of directors, comprising Bhagya Chander, Arun Chauhan, Vivek Nazer, Sanjeev Thakur, Ashu Kalia and Poonam Guleria, reaffirmed the associations commitment to promoting Himachal Pradeshs cultural heritage, strengthening bonds among Himachalis across the world and showcasing the states traditions, values and natural beauty internationally. The celebration underscored the role of the Indian diaspora in preserving cultural identity beyond national borders and strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Canada. By bringing the spirit of Kullu Dussehra to Parliament Hill, the event offered an international platform for Himachal Pradeshs cultural legacy and reinforced the enduring connection between the state and its diaspora.
Shimla Residents March Against NHAI Twin-Tunnel Project, Allege Cracks In Homes
Moderate-intensity quake hits Shimla district
According to the National Centre for Seismology, the epicentre was located at a depth of 10 km below the Earths surface
Moderate-Intensity Earthquake Hits Shimla District
No loss of life or property has been reported, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said
Earthquake of magnitude 4.1 strikes Shimla in Himachal Pradesh
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HC stops construction at Shimla site, flags illegal multi-storey buildings and tree felling
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 16 (IANS) Bollywood star Jackie Shroff wished veteran actress Hema Malini on her birthday by sharing a series of photographs on his social media account. He celebrated the grace and charm of the Bollywood icon fondly known as the Dream Girl. Accompanied by the melody of Lata Mangeshkar's evergreen song O Ghata Sanwari, the pictures offered nostalgic glimpses into Hema Malini's journey as an actress and classical dancer. Jackie shared the pictures and wrote, Warm Wishes!, along with the hashtags #HappyBirthday. One of the monochrome pictures shows Hema Malini in a traditional classical dance costume, striking a dance pose. Another black-and-white photograph captures a close-up of the actress, highlighting her expressive eyes, graceful features and signature smile. The song accompanying the photographs, O Ghata Sanwari, is from the 1970 film Abhinetri, which starred Hema Malini alongside Shashi Kapoor. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar, the song was composed by LaxmikantPyarelal, with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Hema Malini, who turned 78 on October 16, has enjoyed a career spanning many decades across films, classical dance, direction and politics. Born on October 16, 1948, in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, she began training in classical dance during her childhood. She made her early screen appearances in South Indian cinema before making her Hindi film debut opposite Raj Kapoor in Sapno Ka Saudagar in 1968. She then earned recognition with films such as Johny Mera Naam, Andaz and Seeta Aur Geeta. Her filmography also includes classics such as Sholay, in which she played the spirited Basanti, Dream Girl, Naseeb, Kranti, Satte Pe Satta and Raz ia Sultan. She also explored filmmaking, directing Dil Aashna Hai, which featured Shah Rukh Khan and Divya Bharti, and later directed Tell Me O Kkhuda. Her more recent acting projects include Shimla Mirchi, released in 2020. The actress continues to perform Bharatanatyam on stage and create dance ballets based on Indian mythology, including Durga, Mahalakshmi, Radha Krishna and Draupadi. On the personal front, Hema Malini married actor Dharmendra on May 2, 1980. The couple has two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
Himachal Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurates Kangra miniature art gallery at IIAS Shimla
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BJP leader and Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh Government over discussions regarding the formation of new districts in the state. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of Hamir Sangam, a cultural programme organised by the Hamirpur Students Association at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Sharma questioned the government's intentions, financial priorities and administrative approach. Referring to reports that the State Government is allegedly considering constituting a commission to examine the formation of new districts, Sharma described the move as a political gimmick intended to divert public attention from pressing issues affecting Himachal Pradesh. Taking a sarcastic dig at the government, he remarked,
Himachal CM assures construction of Kunzum Pass tunnel
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 14 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Wednesday assured that a survey and a detailed project report (DPR) would be prepared for the construction of a tunnel beneath the Kunzum Pass in Lahaul-Spiti district. He said the government was making efforts to construct the tunnel, which would provide better road connectivity throughout the year to local residents and tourists. The Chief Minister announced that the Spiti Valley would be declared a natural farming area and the possibility of opening a college in Kaza town would be explored. In addition, gynaecologists and medicine specialists would be appointed in Kaza. He also assured that a survey would be conducted for the construction of a heliport in Kaza, which would boost tourism activities and benefit local residents. Addressing a public meeting in Kaza during his two-day visit, the Chief Minister said the government would spend Rs 500 crore on Spitis development in the coming years. The Sumdo-Kaza transmission line is targeted for completion within three years, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 350 crore. The government was working towards doubling the income of the people of Spiti. Chief Minister Sukhu said when he first visited the region on April 15, 2023, to celebrate Himachal Day, local residents had raised the issue of electricity shortage. He said efforts to address the problem were now beginning to yield results on the ground. He added that approximately 42 per cent of Himachal Pradeshs geographical area falls within cold desert regions. The state government was paying special attention to the development of the populations living in these areas and allocating additional funds for their welfare. The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously working for the welfare of its employees. He said the government would consider releasing an instalment of dearness allowance on Diwali. He said the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) had been restored to provide employees with dignity and social security, and the government was considering bringing more employees under its coverage in the coming years. He said the Central government had withheld Rs 1,600 crore, which Himachal Pradesh was to receive every year, because the state had implemented the OPS.
AAP prepares for 2027 Himachal Pradesh polls; Kejriwal to visit Shimla
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Himachal Governor performs Navratri Yagya, calls for cultural values and national unity
The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, on Tuesday performed a yagya and organised a bhandara at Lok Bhawan in Shimla on the occasion of the third day of the Navratri festival, praying for the state's prosperity, peace and protection from natural disasters. The yagya and bhandara were organised with the participation of Lok Bhawan employees and officials. Speaking with reporters at Lok Bhawan, Gupta extended his greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Sharadiya Navratri and highlighted the religious and cultural significance of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
Justice must be guided by fairness & wisdom: CM at Shimla law university
Nadda to lay stone of ICMR's high altitude health research centre in Himachal's Keylong
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 11 (IANS) Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda will lay the foundation stone of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research (ICMR-CHAMP) in Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, officials said on Sunday. The Centre is being established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the Department of Health Research of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen multidisciplinary research, innovation and capacity building focused on India's high-altitude and climate-sensitive regions. The Himalayan ecosystem presents distinctive public health challenges arising from high altitude, extreme climatic conditions, difficult terrain, geographical isolation and increasing climate variability. These factors influence disease patterns, healthcare access, occupational health and emergency response. The centre will strengthen scientific evidence generation and the development of context-specific, scalable healthcare solutions for people living and working in these challenging environments. The centre's research mandate will encompass high-altitude physiology and acclimatisation, mountain medicine, climate-sensitive and emerging diseases, infectious and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, mental health, environmental and occupational health, and disaster medicine. It will also explore the integration of digital health platforms, telemedicine, drone-enabled healthcare logistics and real-time public health surveillance to improve healthcare delivery in remote and hard-to-reach areas. The centre will provide an important institutional platform for sustained field research involving high-altitude and tribal populations in a strategically significant border region. Its location will facilitate longitudinal studies and investigations into the relationship between environmental conditions, climate variability and health outcomes. The centre is expected to contribute to national priorities in tribal health, disaster preparedness, digital health innovation and the development of climate-resilient health systems, while strengthening India's contribution to global research in high-altitude medicine. The ceremony will be attended, among other, by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut.
JP Nadda reviews major infrastructure projects in Himachal
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 9 (IANS) Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday reviewed major infrastructure and development projects in Himachal Pradesh, including national highway projects involving investments of Rs 55,103 crore and the Rs 15,624 crore Kishau Multipurpose Project, which has gained fresh momentum following its declaration as a national project. The comprehensive review covered national highways, rural roads, railway connectivity, healthcare infrastructure, hydropower, water resources and industrial development, with a focus on accelerating execution, resolving pending issues and ensuring that sanctioned funds translate into tangible benefits for the people. Nadda said the Union Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains committed to strengthening connectivity, expanding modern healthcare services and creating economic opportunities in the hill state through sustained investment and support. He emphasised that the state government must ensure effective utilisation of approved funds, timely administrative decisions and regular monitoring to prevent delays in projects of public importance. Highlighting the importance of infrastructure in a mountainous state, Nadda said road and rail connectivity were critical not only for mobility but also for enabling patients to reach hospitals, helping farmers and horticulturists access markets, promoting tourism and employment, and facilitating relief operations during natural disasters. He stressed that safety, construction quality and adherence to timelines must remain key priorities. The Rs 15,624 crore Kishau Multipurpose Project emerged as a key focus of the review following its declaration as a national project in September. An agreement signed on September 15 among Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi has paved the way for taking forward the long-pending project. Located on the Tons River along the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border, the project is expected to boost water storage, irrigation and hydropower generation. Under the national project funding arrangement, the Centre will bear approximately 90 per cent of the financial burden, while the remaining cost will be shared by the participating states. Once implemented, the project is expected to provide irrigation facilities to around 97,000 hectares and generate an estimated 1,476 million units of clean hydropower. The review also took stock of other major water resources and energy projects, including the approximately Rs 7,000 crore Renukaji Dam Project and the Rs 1,800 crore Luhri Stage-I Hydropower Project.
HIMFED to set up honey processing plant in Nagrota Bagwan, explore new petrol pumps
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 9 (ANI): The Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumers Federation Limited (HIMFED) will set up a honey processing plant in Nagrota Bagwan and explore the feasibility of establishing new petrol pumps as part of its business diversification and expansion strategy. The proposals were taken up at a meeting of HIMFED's Board of Directors, chaired by its Chairman Maheshwar Chauhan in Shimla on Friday. The meeting reviewed the action taken on decisions made during previous board meetings and considered various agenda items related to the federation's routine operations and administrative activities. Necessary approvals were also granted on the matters discussed. The board reviewed HIMFED's fertiliser sales operations across Himachal Pradesh and emphasised measures to boost sales and ensure the availability of agricultural inputs to farmers. Board members appreciated the chairman's efforts towards strengthening the federation, promoti...
Delhi-NCR likely to witness light rain, strong winds; AQI remains moderate to poor
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) The plains of North India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, may experience light rain, overcast skies, and strong winds over the next few days as weather conditions change amid the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon. Cyclonic activity associated with the retreating monsoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall over the next three days, particularly across Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain alerts for 14 states, warning of heavy showers in several regions. The effects of the retreating monsoon are likely to be felt across West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand over the next three to four days. Meanwhile, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to receive heavy rainfall between October 9 and 11. Delhi, Punjab and Haryana are likely to witness cloudy skies and light rain till October 14. Western and eastern Uttar Pradesh may receive rainfall from October 9 to 11. Light rain is expected in eastern Rajasthan on October 12, while Delhi-NCR may experience light showers accompanied by strong winds on October 10 and 11. Western Rajasthan is also likely to witness strong winds on October 11. According to the IMD, Uttarakhand is likely to receive heavy rainfall till October 14, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may experience heavy showers on Friday and Saturday and again on October 13 and 14. In Uttarakhand, districts including Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Rudraprayag have been placed under a heavy rain alert. The department has advised pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, particularly those visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath, to remain vigilant. In Himachal Pradesh, Chamba, Kullu, Manali and Shimla are likely to receive rainfall on October 13 and 14. Jammu and Kashmir may also witness significant weather changes, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds forecast in areas including Doda, Pulwama, Anantnag, Poonch, Udhampur and Srinagar. Bihar and Jharkhand are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in some areas till October 11. Patna, Ranchi and Dhanbad are among the places where thunderstorms and lightning are possible. The IMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in Bihar and the Gangetic plains of West Bengal. Rainfall is expected to continue in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura until October 14. Eastern Madhya Pradesh may receive rain till October 11, while Chhattisgarh is likely to witness showers on October 14. Rewa, Satna and Shahdol in eastern Madhya Pradesh may experience rainfall accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate to poor categories, with monitoring stations recording varying levels of pollution. Dwarka Sector 8 recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 231, followed by R.K. Puram at 219, Punjabi Bagh at 211, Narela at 210, and Pusa and NSUT Jaffarpur at 203 each. Other stations, including Burari, Badarpur, Mandir Marg, Aya Nagar, CRRI Mathura Road, Chandni Chowk, JNU, Burari Crossing, Ashok Vihar, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Jahangirpuri and Rohini, recorded AQI readings ranging from 115 to 198.
Himachal govt welcomes GST Council reform proposals
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 8 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday welcomed the reforms proposed by the GST Council, saying the measures would make the tax system more taxpayer-friendly and simplify compliance procedures. The proposed reforms, covering registration, return filing, refunds, assessment, adjudication and other processes, are expected to make Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance simpler, more transparent and more efficient. The 57th meeting of the GST Council was held under the chairmanship of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. The Himachal Pradesh government also welcomed proposals aimed at providing relief to small taxpayers, as well as measures relating to defence establishments and CSD canteens. A state-specific issue concerning the leasing of the right to collect tolls was also deliberated upon, and the proposed GST exemption relating to the state's toll collection mechanism was welcomed. While supporting measures that facilitate compliance for genuine taxpayers, the state emphasised that GST reforms must maintain an appropriate balance between ease of compliance and effective enforcement. It said proposals that could weaken enforcement, facilitate fraudulent practices or adversely affect legitimate revenue should be carefully reviewed to ensure that taxpayer facilitation does not come at the cost of revenue protection and the prevention of tax evasion. The state government also raised the issue of full compensation for revenue implications arising from GST implementation, with a view to safeguarding fiscal stability. It reiterated that state revenues should be protected by ensuring 14 per cent year-on-year growth for five years and that revenue protection should continue thereafter until actual state revenue reaches the level of protected revenue determined for the fifth year. The proposal for the constitution of a Group of Ministers (GoM) on hilly states was also reiterated to address the specific concerns and requirements of hill states. Further, the state highlighted the need to correct the inverted duty structure in the pharmaceutical sector by reducing the tax rate on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Such rationalisation, it said, would help minimise the accumulation of input tax credit and associated refund claims while providing further impetus to domestic API manufacturing and the pharmaceutical industry.
IIAS to celebrate Diamond Jubilee with five-day public programme in Shimla
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) will celebrate its Diamond Jubilee with a five-day public programme featuring academic lectures, book exhibitions, art displays and cultural events at the historic Rashtrapati Niwas here from October 11 to 15. The celebrations mark six decades since the registration of the IIAS Society in October 1964 and its subsequent inauguration by then President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in October 1965. The five-day programme is aimed at bringing scholars, artists, publishers and the general public together while creating a platform to connect academic research with contemporary cultural discourse. As part of the academic programme, Padma Prof Raghvendra Tanwar will deliver a lecture on the historicity of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh on October 11. On October 12, archaeologist Prof Vasant Shinde will speak on the evolution of the Bharatiya Knowledge System and archaeological findings from Rakhigarhi. A lecture on Vande Mataram by Akhilesh Jha is sche...
IIAS to mark Diamond Jubilee with five-day public programme in Shimla
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Shimla Municipal Corporation vaccinates over 4,000 stray dogs in anti-rabies drive
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Himachal records 41st lowest monsoon rainfall since 1901
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 3 (IANS) The southwest monsoon withdrew from Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, against the normal withdrawal date of Sept 25, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) centre here announced. However, the Himalayan state recorded its 41st lowest monsoon rainfall since 1901. This year, the monsoon entered the state on June 30 and covered the entire state by July 1, seven days later than its normal arrival date of June 25. The IMD said the southwest monsoon seasonal (June to September) rainfall was normal over the state, with 652.3 mm of actual rainfall against the normal 734.4 mm, reflecting a departure of minus 11 per cent. The districts of Kinnaur, Una, Bilaspur, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan received normal precipitation. In contrast, Hamirpur district received deficient precipitation, and the remote Lahaul-Spiti district received very deficient precipitation. This year, Himachal Pradesh recorded the 41st lowest monsoon rainfall of 652.3 mm during the monsoon season in the last 125 years. However, the highest rainfall of 1,314.6 mm was recorded in 1922 during the period from 1901 to 2026. The IMD said the state received scattered to fairly widespread precipitation on many days in August. Active monsoon activity was recorded on five days, namely Aug 5, 7, 11, 19 and 31, while weak monsoon activity prevailed on 11 days: Aug 2, 3, 9, 13, 14, 21, 25, 27, 28, 29 and 30. The state received very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Sirmaur and Bilaspur districts on Aug 4, in Sirmaur and Una districts on Aug 5, in Kangra district on Aug 15, and in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Kangra districts on Aug 19. The IMD said Himachal Pradesh received normal precipitation, with a departure of minus 17 per cent, recording 212.5 mm of actual rainfall against the normal 256.8 mm rainfall in August. Kangra district received the highest precipitation of 658.0 mm, while Lahaul-Spiti district received the lowest precipitation of 27.8 mm during the period. Sirmaur district recorded the highest positive rainfall departure of 17 per cent, while Lahaul-Spiti district recorded the highest negative rainfall departure of minus 76 per cent.
Tourists from neighbouring states flocked to the hills over the weekend, leading to heavy crowds and prolonged traffic jams across major tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Popular destinations including Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Nainital, Bhimtal...
Tourist footfall rises to 80% occupancy in Shimla as rainy season ends
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Former Himachal CM Jay Ram Thakur Pays Tribute to Gandhi and Shastri
Jay Ram Thakur honors Gandhi and Shastri in Shimla, urging the state government to address employees concerns amid ongoing protests. Former Himachal CM Jay Ram Thakur Pays Tribute to Gandhi and Shastri
This Himachal Woman Started With 20 Litres Of Milk, Now Runs A Rs 70 Lakh Business
A resident of Shimla, Kavita Sharma, started her milk processing unit in October 2025 with just 20 litres of milk a day.
Emphasizing True Heroes: A Call to Youth by Himachal Pradesh Governor
In Shimla, Governor Kavindra Gupta urges youth to draw inspiration from true national heroes on Gandhi and Shastris birthdays. Emphasizing True Heroes: A Call to Youth by Himachal Pradesh Governor
Himachal govt raises apple procurement price, announces higher milk support rate
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 1 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced an increase in milk support prices from December 1 and a Rs 1 per kg hike in apple procurement rates under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), reiterating the governments commitment to strengthening the rural economy. Addressing a public meeting in Chirgaon in the Rohru Assembly constituency, the Chief Minister said the government was working to enhance the income of farmers, apple growers and livestock rearers. Under the revised rates, apples procured through the MIS will now fetch Rs 13 per kg, up from Rs 12 per kg. Sukhu said the government had already substantially increased milk support prices and would continue to raise them to improve the earnings of livestock farmers. Highlighting initiatives for apple growers, he said the government had introduced a universal carton system and was providing support prices for naturally grown produce. Sukhu also highlighted improvements in the states education sector, claiming that Himachal Pradesh had moved from 21st to fifth in the country in terms of education quality. He said the government introduced English-medium education from Class I in government schools to build students confidence. The government has also opened more than 150 CBSE-affiliated schools to address declining enrolment in government institutions. Citing an example from Rohru, Sukhu said student enrolment in a school increased by more than 500 within a year of introducing the CBSE curriculum. He added that 1,500 teachers had been appointed in these schools. The government is also developing 300 Schools of Excellence to provide quality education closer to rural communities and reduce parents dependence on expensive private schools. Schools affiliated with the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education are also being strengthened. Taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government that preceded his administration, Sukhu accused it of using state resources to benefit industrialists rather than ordinary people. He said the current government is working to eliminate corruption and ensure public resources benefit common people. As long as I am the Chief Minister, I will neither allow the states resources to be looted nor allow anyone to loot them, he said, urging people to support the governments fight against corruption. Responding to BJPs questions regarding the Chief Ministers Office, Sukhu said it belonged to the people and served as a platform for addressing public grievances. He also alleged that the previous BJP government had constructed offices worth more than Rs 1,000 crore in the state.
President Murmu to offer prayers at Naina Devi temple ahead of Atal Tunnel visit
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 1 (IANS) Ahead of visiting the strategic Atal Tunnel at Rohtang in Himachal Pradeshs Kullu district, President Droupadi Murmu will offer prayers at the hilltop Naina Devi temple and attend the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Bilaspur as the chief guest on October 6. The visit is part of her proposed October 6-8 Himachal Pradesh tour, which also includes a visit to the Atal Tunnel overlooking the picturesque tourist resort of Manali. The tunnel connects the Kullu Valley with the remote Lahaul-Spiti region. To pay obeisance at the Naina Devi temple, the President will travel by road from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. She will then return to Anandpur Sahib before proceeding to AIIMS Bilaspur for the convocation ceremony, according to media reports. Murmu is expected to spend around two to three hours at the ceremony before leaving for Manali. In view of the Presidents visit, devotees entry to the Naina Devi temple will be suspended from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 6. The administration has appealed to devotees wishing to visit the shrine that day to complete their prayers before 7 a.m. or after 1 p.m. Security arrangements at the Naina Devi temple and the AIIMS campus have been divided into three sectors each. Punjab and Himachal Pradesh Police will jointly manage security during the Presidents inter-state movement. Both the Naina Devi temple and the AIIMS campus will be declared no-drone zones during the Presidents visit. The Presidents route has largely been planned within the AIIMS campus to minimise disruption. Officials said alternative arrangements have also been made to reduce the visit's impact on schools and traffic movement. The visit to the strategic Atal Tunnel is expected to be a key part of the Presidents tour of the hill state. During her stay in Manali, she will also visit the historic Hidimba Devi Temple on October 7. The Atal Tunnel visit was also planned during President Murmus previous visit to Himachal Pradesh in April this year but had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. The Atal Tunnel, inaugurated in October 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides all-weather road connectivity between Manali and the Lahaul Valley, reducing travel distance and eliminating the need to cross the high-altitude Rohtang Pass.
HP govt CBSE schools implement new dress code for teachers
Shimla: A prescribed dress code for teachers was implemented in 148 government Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools across Himachal Pradesh from Thursday, October 1, with a top school education official saying this is aimed at promoting discipline and institutional dignity, while also creating a more organised and professional learning environment. The dress code Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
BJP expresses grief over demise of ex-Himachal Minister Major Mankotia
Digital Desk | Shimla, Sep 29 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Partys national and state leadership expressed grief over the demise of former Himachal Pradesh minister and veteran leader Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, former Union Minister and MP Anurag Thakur, BJP state President Rajeev Bindal, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, former Chief Ministers Prem Kumar Dhumal and Shanta Kumar, Members of Parliament Suresh Kashyap, Rajeev Bhardwaj, Kangana Ranaut, Sikander Kumar and Harsh Mahajan, state Organisation General Secretary Siddharthan, among others, expressed grief to the bereaved family. The BJP leaders said that Major Mankotias life represented a distinctive combination of service to the nation and service to the people. Before entering politics, he served the country as an officer in the Indian Army. His military background was reflected throughout his public life in his discipline, forthrightness and fearless approach. During his long political career, Major Mankotia represented the Shahpur Assembly constituency in Kangra district five times and served twice as a minister in the state government, handling important portfolios including Tourism, Civil Aviation and Law. Over a political career spanning nearly four decades, he established a distinct identity in Himachal Pradeshs public and political life. Union minister Nadda, while expressing his condolences, said the demise of Major Mankotia was a significant loss to the public life of Himachal Pradesh. His contribution as a soldier in the service of the nation and later as a public representative would always be remembered. He prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family. State party chief Bindal described Major Mankotia as an experienced, outspoken and fearless public leader whose long political career witnessed several important phases in the states history. From serving the nation as a soldier to serving the people as an elected representative and minister, Major Vijay Singh Mankotia devoted a significant part of his life to the country and Himachal Pradesh. His demise is an irreparable loss to the states public life, Bindal said. Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Thakur said Major Mankotia served the country and the state in both his roles, as a soldier and as a political leader. His decades-long association with Kangra, particularly the Shahpur region, his political experience and his forthright personality would always be remembered. Former Chief Ministers Dhumal and Shanta Kumar recalled his long contribution to the states political and public life. The BJP leadership said Major Mankotia would be remembered not merely as a politician but also for his service as an Army officer, his long association with the people, his administrative experience and his outspoken approach to public issues.
Soni Razdan looks back at Shaque shoot with Parineeti Chopra: Could not have asked for more
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 29 (IANS) Veteran actress Soni Razdan looked back on her experience of shooting for the series Shaque. She described it as an absolutely wonderful experience. Soni shared a series of pictures from the project, including glimpses with her co-star Parineeti Chopra. Reflecting on the journey, she said the experience had been special right from the first reading of the script to the final day of the shoot. The Raazi actress also praised the cast, director Rensil DSilva and the producers Sapna and Siddharth for creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere on the sets. Soni further spoke about shooting in Chail Valley and Shimla, saying the crisp, chilly weather and the overall vibe added to the experience. She also thanked the entire cast and technical team for their hard work, while also expressing gratitude to Netflix for supporting the show. She described her co-stars as such fun to work with and appreciated the technical crew for working tirelessly throughout the shoot. Sharing a video, Soni Razdan wrote, Shooting for Shaque was without a doubt, pun intended, was an absolutely wonderful experience. Right from the first reading of the script, to the final shoot, to the brilliant cast that I worked with, to the talented director, Rensil dSilva, and the producers who made us feel we were literally at home Sapna and Siddharth, from the location as you can see, and just from the whole vibe, the crisp chilli air of CHAIL Valley and Shimla we could not have asked for more. She added, I just want to thank everyone for giving me the best time in every which way. My wonderful cast thanks for being such fun to work with The fabulous technical team that worked tirelessly day and night ..And the super Netflix team for supporting this show - thank you. Shaque: Trust No One marked Parineetis OTT debut. The crime thriller also featured Jennifer Winget, Anup Soni, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Sumeet Vyas. The show premiered on September 24 on Netflix.
Shimla Landslide: Massive Landslide Blocks Road In Rohru
A massive landslide has blocked a key road in Rohru, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, following heavy rainfall. Hundreds of tons of debris have fallen onto the road, disrupting connectivity to Janglik village.
Himachal Congress holds statewide protest, demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Himachal Pradesh Congress on Monday held a statewide protest against the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and action against him over what the party alleged were arbitrary and undemocratic decisions concerning the electoral process. Congress district units staged demonstrations at all 12 district headquarters in Himachal Pradesh and submitted memoranda addressed to the President of India through the respective Deputy Commissioners. In Shimla, the rural and urban units of the District Congress Committee jointly submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, raising concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission and demanding the removal and resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The Congress has been protesting against the way Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been conducted and has alleged irregularities in the electoral process. The party ha...
Rubina Dilaik applauds husband Abhinav Shukla for 'standing by the people you love'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Television actress Rubina Dilaik applauded husband Abhinav Shukla for his ability to stand by the people he loves. On Monday, Rubina took to her official Instagram handle and wished Abhinav on his birthday by publishing a couple of unseen photos of him with his loved ones. She praised how people around Abhinav are always able to count on him. Her heartfelt wish for her husband went, Happy Birthday to the man Ive shared so much of life with. I deeply respect the way you love and honour your parents, care for everyone around you, and are the person your friends can always count on. But what touches me most is your instinct to protect your family and stand by the people you love. (sic). Rubina said that throughout their journey together, she will always have the utmost respect and warmth in her heart for Abhinav. Weve shared our beautiful moments, our difficult ones, and so much in between. Through it all, there is a deep respect and warmth I will always carry for you. Heres to you to your heart, your loyalty, and the family you hold so close. Happy Birthday @ashukla09 (sic), she further wrote. Abhinav reacted to the post with two red heart emojis. Rubina and Abhinav got married on June 21, 2018, in a beautiful ceremony held at the Woodville Palace, Shimla. The couple welcomed their twin daughters, Jeeva and Edhaa, in 2023. Work-wise, Rubina is one of the contestants in the stunt-based reality show, 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 15. Her journey on the show has been extremely inspiring. One of Rubina's most emotional moments during the season was when she won a height-based task. The 'Shakti' actress broke down in tears, saying that after becoming a mother, a woman often has to rebuild her physical strength and also her confidence.
Himachal CM misleading legislators by promising Ministerial berths: LoP Jai Ram Thakur
Digital Desk | Shimla, Sep 27 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday accused the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of misleading his party legislators by promising Ministerial berths while allegedly failing to submit a formal proposal for expansion of the state Cabinet. Thakur's remarks came a day after the State Congress In-charge Rajni Patil said that CM Sukhu had not yet submitted any proposal regarding Cabinet expansion. Patil added that the Congress would take further action after receiving a formal proposal from the Chief Minister. BJP leader Thakur said that CM Sukhu had repeatedly claimed, both in the Assembly and at public meetings, that a legislator would be inducted into the Cabinet, but nearly a year had passed without the announcement being implemented. The Chief Minister keeps making claims about making his MLAs Ministers, but becomes silent when it comes to implementing these promises before his party high command, the former Chief Minister Thakur said in a statement. He alleged that CM Sukhu was keeping legislators aligned with him by offering them the prospect of Ministerial positions and was attempting to strengthen his own faction. Now even the Congress in-charge has exposed the Chief Minister's style of functioning. She (Rajni Patil) is telling the media that no proposal for Cabinet expansion has been received from Himachal Pradesh, LoP Thakur said. Referring to the legislator whom CM Sukhu had allegedly promised to induct into the state Cabinet, the LoP said the MLA had frequently accompanied the Chief Minister at his programmes and during visits outside the state. He questioned when the Chief Minister would submit the proposal, saying the Congress government's four-year tenure would be completed in December. The remarks came amid renewed speculation over a Cabinet expansion. While reports earlier this month had suggested that an expansion or reshuffle could take place by the end of September, Patil said in a statement on Saturday that no formal proposal had yet been received. LoP Thakur also attended a public listening programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 138th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' in Shimla's Ward 12, along with BJP workers, office-bearers and local residents. He described 'Mann Ki Baat' as a platform highlighting the achievements, innovations and inspirational work of ordinary citizens.
'Gyanesh Kumar should be arrested': Congress stages nationwide protests against CEC
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) The Congress on Friday staged nationwide protests to demand the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over 'vote chori' allegations, asserting that the party would not bow down until action is taken against him. The allegations have gained momentum after a media report claimed differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several Congress leaders and workers were detained during the agitation, including the party's Assam and Punjab chiefs Gaurav Gogoi and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, respectively. Water cannons were also used to disperse the protesters across states. In the national capital, the Youth Congress held a march demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav said: The demand is clear that Gyanesh Kumar must be arrested because he has murdered democracy. The essence of a democracy is lost when votes are stolen. We clearly demand that Gyanesh Kumar resign and that the elections conducted over the past year undergo a review, he added. Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba recalled that the party, especially Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, has been speaking about the heft of votes for months now. On December 14, the Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodo rally was held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. The entire Delhi was echoing with the slogan...Today, our only demand is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should seek Gyanesh Kumars resignation. He should be arrested and sent to jail. The illegal decisions taken by him must be stopped and reversed, Lambae told IANS. Congress leaders and workers attempted to 'gherao' the Election Commission office in Chandigarh. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who was being detained, told reporters: We have all gathered here demanding the removal of Gyanesh Kumar and his arrest and imprisonment. Our protest is against the SIR. Votes are being stolen across the country, and 20 lakh votes have been deleted in Punjab...Our demand is that SIR should be cancelled and voting should take place without it. Congress Chandigarh President H.S. Lucky asserted that the party would continue the agitation despite the attempts being made by the police to stop them. The police are doing their duty and putting up barricades. Deploy the police, the Army, Income Tax, ED, or any other agency, but the way the people of the country have been wronged, they will not tolerate it. Gen-Z recently held a major protest at Jantar Mantar. Another major movement will emerge in the country. This protest will continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns, just as (then-Union Education Minister) Dharmendra Pradhan did, Lucky told IANS. Security personnel also used water cannons to disperse agitators in Chandigarh. Leading a protest march in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das said: This movement is against the stealing of votes, and Gyanesh Kumar will have to resign. Rahul Gandhi has been raising the issue of vote theft from the beginning, but no one was listening. Today, it has been proved how vote theft is taking place. Led by Bihar President Rajesh Ram, Congress workers in Patna marched towards the Election Commission office. However, police put up barricades near the Secretariat to stop them. A heated scuffle broke out between the police and the workers as the latter attempted to break through the barricades and move forward. The police had to use water cannons to bring the situation under control. Speaking to reporters during the agitation, Rajesh Ram said: We are not afraid. We will continue to protest against Gyanesh Kumar, who is a criminal. Another protester alleged that police resorted to 'lathi charge'. Purnia MP Pappu Yadav also took part in the Congress protest in Patna. Criticising the Election Commission, he said: They have committed an injustice against 13 crore people in Bengal, Bihar and Assam. How can they be allowed to go? Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat took part in the Congress protest in Dehradun. Congress state in-charge Kumari Selja said: We are holding protests across the country. People have seen the revelations that have come out regarding the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission is not functioning in the manner it should. There is no unanimity there, and it is not impartial. Similarly, Congress leaders and workers protested outside the Election Commission office in Shimla. Congress Himachal Pradesh in-charge Rajni Patil also recalled Rahul Gandhi's vote theft allegations, saying: Now we are firmly convinced that there are irregularities in the elections...If things go on like this then the Constitution will be totally destroyed. Similar protests also took place in Assam's Guwahati, where state chief and MP Gaurav Gogoi, along with other party members, was detained while trying to break through police barricades
Three dead and one seriously injured in collision between HRTC bus and car near Ghandal, Shimla
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3 Of Family Killed As Car Collides Head-On With Bus Near Shimla
The injured persons were rescued and shifted to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla, where one was declared brought dead, while another is undergoing treatment, officials said.
BJP retains Shrikant Sharma as Himachal in-charge, UPs Darshana Singh as co-in-charge
Digital Desk | Shimla, Sep 23 (IANS) The national leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while announcing organisational appointments, on Wednesday retained Shrikant Sharma, the legislator from Mathura, as the partys in-charge for Himachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, Darshana Singh, a Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh, was appointed co-in-charge of the state BJP. Additionally, BJP MLA Reena Kashyap from the Pachhad Assembly constituency in Himachal has been given an important organisational responsibility as co-in-charge of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP. In the national-level list, Dr Satish Poonia has been appointed as the BJPs in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir. Shrikant Sharma, a former energy minister of Uttar Pradesh, has held several organisational and media-related responsibilities in the party, including serving as the party's national secretary and handling key responsibilities in its national media setup. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sharma was appointed the BJPs election in-charge for Himachal Pradesh and was subsequently given the permanent responsibility of state in-charge. The BJP won all four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh in the 2024 general elections. Darshana Singh, who has been appointed co-in-charge of Himachal Pradesh, is a Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh. Her first term in the Upper House began on July 5, 2022. She is a postgraduate. She began her active political career in 2008 and became president of the Mahila Morcha in Chandauli district in 2011, a member of the state executive of the Mahila Morcha in 2013, the partys Kashi region secretary in 2015 and president of the BJP Mahila Morcha in Uttar Pradesh in 2018. She has also served as national vice-president of the BJP Mahila Morcha. Before entering politics, she worked with the Allahabad centres of All India Radio and Doordarshan. She holds a postgraduate degree in history. Himachal lawmaker Reena Kashyap, who represents Pachhad in Sirmaur district, has been given the responsibility of co-in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir. The organisational list names Poonia as the Jammu and Kashmir in-charge and Kashyap as co-in-charge. Kashyap was first elected as an MLA from Pachhad in an October 2019 assembly bypoll. She retained the seat in the December 2022 Assembly elections. The appointments give Himachal BJPs organisational leadership responsibilities at the national level, with Sharma continuing in the state and Kashyap taking up an organisational role in Jammu and Kashmir, said the state BJP unit. It congratulated Sharma, Darshana Singh and Reena Kashyap on their new responsibilities and thanked the national leadership for the appointments.
Dog Attack on Toddler Sparks Urgent Action in Shimla
A dog attack on a toddler in Shimla prompts a major sterilization and vaccination campaign starting October 3. Dog Attack on Toddler Sparks Urgent Action in Shimla
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 22 (IANS) Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra has reacted to the heartwarming social media post by her husband, politician Raghav Chadha, which he had shared for her earlier in the day, ahead of the promotions of her upcoming streaming title Shaque: Trust No One. On Monday, the actress spoke with IANS along with Tahir Raj Bhasin and Soni Razdan during the promotions of the series in the BKC area of Mumbai. Talking about her husbands sweet gesture, the actress said, It was a very sweet surprise because his entire social media feed is filled with political content, governance. She told IANS, So this was a very sweet surprise, very filmy, almost romantic and a thoughtful surprise from him. He is just all hearts. These are the sweet little things that he does that really take away my heart. It can put you in a great mood and can remind you of your partner and them standing behind you. All these things can really encourage a woman just to smile. On Monday, Raghav Chadha extended his support to wife Parineeti Chopra ahead of her OTT debut with 'Shaque'. He membered the time he visited the shoot in Shimla and met the team. Claiming that Parineeti seemed to have had a great time working on the drama, the politician praised the teams warmth and talent. Posting the recently released trailer of 'Shaque' on his official Instagram handle, Raghav penned, So proud of you @parineetichopra...I know how much you gave to Shaque, especially through a time that was already very special for us. Having spent some time at the shoot in Shimla, I also got to see the warmth and talent of the team behind it. An exceptionally talented bunch, and clearly one you had a lot of fun working with (sic). Wishing you and the entire Shaque team all the very best. I have a feeling this one is going to keep people guessing. Cant wait for everyone to watch it on 24th September, he added. Parineeti had an adorable reaction to Raghavs post. Expressing her gratitude for the support she had been getting from her 'protective husband', the 'Chamkila' actress commented, This is the sweetest! Thankss Ragaii. People need to know what a big support and protective husband you were during this time (sic).
Shimla administration suspends tunnel blasting and seeks IIT Roorkee probe into house cracks
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Major Asset Seizure In Shimla Drug Trafficking Case
Shimla Police have seized assets worth Rs 4.13 crore from 19 drug traffickers and their associates, believed to be acquired through illegal drug trade. The action followed an arrest in August 2026, leading to a detailed financial investigation under the NDPS Act. This seizure is part of a larger effort in 2026, where assets worth Rs 12.52 crore have been confiscated in 15 NDPS cases.
Chief Minister Sukhu Defends New Office Amid Opposition Criticism
Chief Minister Sukhu responds to opposition claims of extravagance regarding the new office in Shimla, emphasizing its importance for governance. Chief Minister Sukhu Defends New Office Amid Opposition Criticism
NHAI confirms safety measures after cracks reported in Shimla buildings near bypass project
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Jackie Shroff wishes 1950s star Kalpana Kartik on 94th birthday
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 19 (IANS) Veteran Hindi film actress Kalpana Kartik turned 94 on Saturday, and Bollywood star Jackie Shroff took to his social media account to mark the occasion with a vintage black-and-white picture of the actress. The picture shows a young Kalpana Kartik resting her arms on a railing and dressed in a traditional outfit and accessorised with earrings and bangles. The post carried the song Aaj Ki Raat Piya Dil Na Todo by Geeta Dutt from her 1951 debut film Baazi as its music. The tribute read, Wishing Kalpana Kartik ji good health and happiness always! Happy Birthday! The song was composed by S.D. Burman with lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi and was picturised on Kalpana Kartik and Dev Anand. Born as Mona Singha on September 19, 1931, in Lahore, Kalpana Kartik later moved to Shimla with her family after Partition. She was studying in college, where she won the Miss Shimla contest, which brought her to the attention of filmmaker Chetan Anand. He introduced her to Navketan Films and gave her the screen name Kalpana Kartik. She made her acting debut with Baazi in 1951, directed by Guru Dutt. Kartik went on to become one of the familiar faces of 1950s Hindi cinema, appearing in a limited but memorable movies that included Aandhiyan released in 1952, Humsafar in 1953, Taxi Driver in 1954, House No. 44 in 1955 and Nau Do Gyarah in 1957. She was paired with Dev Anand in all of these films, making their onscreen pairing one of the notable romantic pairings associated with that era. A lot of songs from her films have remained associated with her. Apart from Aaj Ki Raat Piya Dil Na Todo from Baazi, the Dev Anand-Kalpana Kartik starrer Taxi Driver featured the memorable Jayen To Jayen Kahan, while House No. 44 included songs such as Teri Duniya Mein Jeene Se.
We protected states interests in Kishau project, says Himachal CM
Digital Desk | Shimla, Sep 17 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Thursday said that the Congress government had firmly worked to protect the interests of the state in the Kishau multipurpose dam agreement, resulting in benefits of around Rs 1,500 crore without any investment. Addressing a public meeting at Rail in Nadaun in Hamirpur district, the Chief Minister said BJP leaders Anurag Singh Thakur and Jai Ram Thakur should seek clarity from Uttarakhand regarding its concerns over the project. He said he had the opportunity to understand the concerns of the Uttarakhand Chief Minister. He said the state government had ensured that the states interests remained protected; otherwise, the people of Himachal Pradesh could also have faced an economic burden similar to that being faced by Uttarakhand. He said under the Kishau project the state would receive benefits of around Rs 1,500 crore without any additional investment, while Uttarakhand would have to invest around Rs 3,000 crore to generate a similar amount. Sukhu said the cost of the project, which was estimated at around Rs 800 crore five years ago, had now increased to between Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore. He added that a larger area of land in Uttarakhand was also being affected by the project. CM Sukhu said after the Congress government came to power in the state, three important meetings were held regarding the Kishau project, and the government ensured that the interests of Himachal Pradesh remained protected. He said the trust and confidence of the people of the state remained with him, and it was with their strength that he strongly presented the states case. Uttarakhand also wanted an agreement similar to that of Himachal Pradesh, but this could not happen there. He said the government was firmly pursuing the rights of Himachal Pradesh and expressed hope that the BBMB arrears would also be received by the state soon. The Chief Minister said the previous BJP government had caused damage to the states resources, while the present Congress government had fought against corruption. He said the Wildflower Hall case, which had been pending in court for the past 23 years, was won by the state government in the Supreme Court. He said this had brought Rs 401 crore into the state exchequer and was generating additional income of around Rs 2 crore per month. As long as I am the Chief Minister, I will continue to fight for the people. We will not bow down to any temptation. The Chief Minister said the state government had strongly pursued cases related to the interests of Himachal Pradesh in courts. CM Sukhu said the matter regarding an additional six per cent royalty from JSW had been pending since the previous BJP government. After the Congress government came to power, the High Court decision in the matter was challenged in the Supreme Court and the state government won the case. He said this had resulted in additional annual revenue of around Rs 150 crore for the state.
President's diplomatic menu gets Himachali flavour with traditional hill cuisines
Digital Desk | Shimla, Sep 16 (IANS) Indias diplomatic dining experience at Rashtrapati Bhavan is set to acquire a distinct Himachali touch, with traditional cuisines from the Himalayan state -- with a touch of nature's earthiness and the unmistakable aroma of guchhi, one of the worlds most prized morel mushrooms grown in high mountains -- being introduced to the menu for visiting dignitaries and elite guests after a special culinary training programme conducted by a government chef from Himachal Pradesh. Acclaimed chef Nand Lal Sharma, Consultant (Food and Beverage) with Himachal Tourism and President of the Himachal Chef Association, was invited by the Presidents Secretariat to train cooks at Rashtrapati Bhavan in authentic Himachali cuisines. During his week-long stay, he showcased traditional dishes from the Kangra and Mandi regions, highlighting the culinary heritage of the hills through recipes rooted in local ingredients, slow-cooking techniques and generations-old traditions. The most popular dham, a multi-course traditional saatvik (vegetarian) feast served by sitting together on the ground on special occasions like weddings and festivals and eating without forks or spoons, is prepared by Bhotis, the Brahmin chefs who have traditionally been cooking for generations. Most of the utensils used for cooking are made from copper or brass. For us, Himachali food is soul-rooted in Himalayan cultures and preserving its authenticity, as every dish has its meaning, and then showcasing culinary diversity of the mountain communities on the diplomatic table is the aim of my Rashtrapati Bhavans visit, Sharma told IANS in an interview on Wednesday. He cooked lip-smacking and mouth-watering recipes of the Kangra and Mandi regions, popularly known as Kangri and Mandiali dishes, during his weeklong stay in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Sharma, the President of the Himachal Chef Association, said that during his stay in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the food is served on pattals (broad leaves of a tree); rice first and then a round of other items. According to him, he also got an opportunity to train one personal chef of President Droupadi Murmu, besides three others. Sharma, who got an opportunity to interact with the President, said she liked the gucchi recipe most. Gucchi, or Morchella Esculenta, is a mushroom variety that grows naturally on snowy slopes. In Himachal Pradesh, gucchi is grown in dense deodar forests mainly in the interiors of Shimla, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts. Since its trade is not regulated by the government, there is no estimation about its overall production. Villagers have permission from the Forest Department to collect gucchi, which falls under the category of minor forest produce. The Presidents office, in a missive to the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director on July 16, asked him to depute Sharma to train cooks at Rashtrapati Bhavan in local and Himachali cuisines. During the recent visit of the Honourable President of India to Mashobra, Shimla, it was found that Shri Nand Lal Sharma has great expertise in local cuisines and the Honourable President of India was highly appreciative of this, reads the letter. For me it was a profound honour and, of course, a truly humbling experience to showcase our food cultures that will help connect communities across the Himalayan state, Sharma told IANS. In Himachal, the main course of Mandiali dishes comprises rajmah, kale chane ka khatta (sour), maa ki dal cooked in spices with generous amounts of desi ghee, karahi, sepu vadi, kaddu (red pumpkin) ka mitha (sweet) and a bowl of rice. The traditional multi-course meal of the Kangra Valley has mandra (spiced vegetable and yoghurt curry), mahni (spicy sweet and sour curry), maah, chana dal (split Bengal gram with fennel seeds), budane ka mitha (sweet), rainthla (date and spinach curry) and rice. Meethe chawal, or sweet-spiced fragrant rice, is a common dessert in Kangra. Sharma, the former chief chef at Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla, said the President, who relishes only a vegetarian diet without onion and garlic, liked bathu ki kheer, a special dessert prepared with chenopodium seeds grown in high reaches, milk and sugar. Also, the President liked the classic dish sepu vadi -- urad dal dumplings fried and then simmered in curd gravy. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
AIDWA protests in Shimla over relocation of Kamla Nehru Hospital gynaecology services
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Parineeti Chopra enjoys some me time nearly a year into motherhood, says Had the time of my life
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) Actress Parineeti Chopra took some much-needed time out for herself and enjoyed a luxurious getaway nearly a year into motherhood, describing the experience as one she will cherish. Taking to Instagram, the Ladies vs Ricky Bahl actress shared glimpses of her relaxing escape and opened up about wanting to indulge in some well-deserved me time. Sharing her photos, Parineeti wrote, Almost a year of being a mom, and I took some time just for me I wanted to be drenched in luxury and spoilt silly. @joalimaldives did just that. The best villas in the maldives (and Ive seen some fantastic ones) the best food, the most thoughtfully designed, gorgeous island, and the staff that seemed to be at work just for me. Parineeti, who described herself as a water baby, said she was mesmerised by the island and the overall experience. The water baby in me was mesmerised. Thank you for making me feel like a queen and a little girl! Had the time of my life, she added. The video captures Parineeti Chopra making the most of her luxurious getaway, as she is seen enjoying every aspect of her vacation. From relishing delicious food and unwinding with relaxing massages to soaking in the serene surroundings of the Maldives, the actress appeared to be fully immersed in her much-needed break. The glimpses show her embracing the slower pace of island life, indulging in self-care and enjoying some quality time away from her routine. Parineeti Chopra and politician Raghav Chadha welcomed their first child, a son named Neer, on October 19, 2025. The actress recently opened up about returning to work while promoting her upcoming Netflix psychological thriller series, Shaque: Trust No One. Parineeti revealed that she found out she was pregnant with Neer while shooting for the series in Shimla. The makers ensured that she remained comfortable on set and made necessary changes to the action sequences to accommodate her during the shoot.
Shimla residents seek Rs 5 lakh compensation after monkey kills woman
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Parineeti Chopra showers love on hubby Raghav Chadha as he shares highlights from Uzbekistan visit
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS) Actress Parineeti Chopra showered love on her husband and politician Raghav Chadha after he shared glimpses from his recent visit to Uzbekistan. Raghav took to social media to share a series of pictures and moments from his trip, which included his visit to Samarkand and Tashkent. Reflecting on the experience, he described it as a wonderful visit and spoke about the rich history and distinct character of both cities. A few highlights from my recent visit to Uzbekistan From the conference in Samarkand to conversations with students in Tashkent, and a few moments in between to take in both cities, it was a wonderful visit. Tashkent and Samarkand both carry so much history, each with a character of its own. Im grateful I had the chance to experience a little of both along the way, he wrote. Parineeti, who often expresses her admiration for her husband on social media, reacted to the post with a loving comment. She commented Love. The actress and Raghav tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur in September 2023. Since then, the couple has frequently shared glimpses of their life together, giving a peek into their relationship and travels. Meanwhile, Parineeti recently opened up about why she and her husband Raghav Chadha are grateful that she was pregnant while shooting for her upcoming film Shaque: Trust No One. The actress revealed that her pregnancy turned out to be a blessing during the filming of the project, which presented its own set of challenges. She shared how the experience brought a different perspective to the shoot and made the journey even more memorable for the couple. Speaking at the trailer launch, the Ishaqzaade actress said, Raghav and I always joke about this, that thank God I was pregnant on this project with these makers and not on any other film with any other makers. Because we didnt know beforehand. We found out once the shoot had already begun. And that pressure of professionalism comes into play. You know, you dont want your project to get impacted. So, like I said, it was Gods saying that it was Sid, Rensil sir and Sapna who were the makers here. And then it turned out to be a beautiful experience because Raghav being Raghav, he ran to Shimla and came to be with me. My mom came, my mother-in-law came, and my brothers came. So it was like, Does this entire family come to shoot? But it was just one after the other. Somebody or the other was always with me, she added.
Light rain and greenery attract tourists to Shimla amid pleasant weather
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Akali Dal opposes removal of papers on Punjab history by Panjab University
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday expressed concern over the removal of four papers covering the history of Punjab from the postgraduate history syllabus of the Panjab University in Chandigarh, contending that the move would do a disservice to preserving the state's rich historical heritage. Giving details on the issue, senior Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the four papers, which provided students an opportunity to study the history of Punjab from the 15th to the 17th century, the 18th century, the 19th century, and the 20th century, should not be tinkered with in any form. He said he had taken up the issue with the Vice-Chancellor as well as the Head of the Department of History, both of whom had assured him that the decision was being reversed shortly and the entire earlier syllabus would be restored. Stressing that such decisions, which had deep cultural and historical sensitivities for Punjabis, are not repeated in future, Cheema said: Punjabs history must remain an integral and respected part of the academic study. Panjab University, where 75 per cent of graduating students are women, is a 143-year-old varsity with its alma mater including former Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh and I.K. Gujral, and former President Shankar Dayal Sharma. In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, a beautiful red sandstone campus was designed for the varsity by Pierre Jeanneret under the guidance of Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. The university moved here from 1958 to 1960. Till the re-organisation of Punjab in 1966, the university had its regional centres at Rohtak, Shimla, and Jalandhar, and its affiliated colleges were located in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. With the re-organisation of Punjab, the university became an Inter-State Body Corporate catering to the newly organised states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and Chandigarh. Gradually, the colleges of Himachal and Haryana were affiliated to the universities in the respective states, and Panjab University was left with the affiliated colleges in the Union Territory of Chandigarh and parts of Punjab. The Panjab University Campus, located in Sectors 14 and 25, spreads across 550 acres.
Former Shimla Deputy Mayor urges decommissioning of vulnerable Himalayan hydropower projects
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In yet another setback for the Congress ahead of assembly elections slated next year in Himachal Pradesh, candidates backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were elected as the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Shimla Zila Parishad on Thursday. With this, the saffron party has wrested control of the Shimla Zila Parishad after 26 years.
BJP candidates elected Shimla Zila Parishad chairman and vice-chairman after two decades
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BJP ends 23-year Congress hold on Shimla Zila Parishad
The BJP has secured control of the Shimla Zila Parishad after a 23-year gap. This victory gives the party significant political leverage ahead of upcoming elections. The BJP now leads eleven of Himachal Pradesh's twelve Zila Parishads. Congress retains control of only the Chamba Zila Parishad. This outcome adds to the Congress government's organizational concerns.
Himachal digitises 1.7 million archive pages of rare records
Digital Desk | Shimla, Sep 8 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said on Tuesday that the first phase of digitisation of around 1.7 million pages of rare and valuable records preserved in the state archives has been successfully completed. He added that the initiative would help ensuring the long-term preservation of the valuable documentary heritage of the state and make these historical records more easily accessible to the public, researchers and historians. He said the Himachal Pradesh State Archives houses more than 30,000 historical records dating from 1807 onwards, besides rare books, gazetteers, settlement reports, manuscripts and other important documents. These records are regularly used by researchers, historians and academics from the state, across India and abroad for study and research. The Deputy Chief Minister said that with the support of the Union Ministry of Culture's work on the National Manuscript Survey is also underway under the Gyan Bharatam Mission. The survey is aimed at identifying, documenting and cataloguing rare and ancient manuscripts available in the state, he added. He said that the manuscripts identified during the survey are being digitised under the National Digitisation Drive through the cluster centre established at the Himachal State Museum in Shimla. Agnihotri said a modern digital archives portal will soon be developed in collaboration with the Information Technology Department to provide easy online access to the digitised records. The fully searchable digital data prepared under the digitisation programme will be provided to the IT Department for hosting, management, maintenance and future upgrades. The portal will soon be dedicated to scholars, researchers, historians, academics and the public. The portal will provide safe, simple and wider online access to Himachal Pradesh's historical and cultural heritage. It will also support research, academic study, documentation and the dissemination of historical knowledge. The Deputy Chief Minister said that digital copies of rare and ancient manuscripts identified during the National Manuscript Survey will also be securely preserved in the Himachal Pradesh State Archives. This will enable researchers from India and abroad to access important manuscripts more easily for study and reference, he added. Digital preservation will also help protect valuable records from physical deterioration and ensure that they remain available for future generations, he said. The Deputy CM noted that the initiative marks an important step towards giving Himachal Pradesh's history a strong digital presence. It will help preserve the state's rich documentary heritage and make it more accessible to future generations, researchers and the wider public.
CITU protests Shimla eviction of street vendors in Lakkar Bazaar
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From Oct 1, Himachal to introduce dress code for CBSE teachers
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday, September 7, directed the Education Department to finalise the dress code for teachers and uniforms for students of CBSE schools run by the state government, along with a distinct colour scheme for school buildings. Chairing a meeting of the department, Sukhu said the dress code Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Shimla campaign urges families to take responsibility for plant care
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Himachal: 85 roads closed; wet spell likely to continue till Sep 11
Persistent rainfall has blocked eighty-five roads across Himachal Pradesh. Light to moderate rain occurred in several locations, with Dharamshala recording the highest rainfall. The Shimla Meteorological Office predicts this wet spell will continue until September eleventh. Mandi district faces the most significant disruption, with forty-five roads closed. Since monsoon onset, rain-related incidents have caused one hundred ten deaths and substantial financial losses.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Passes Bill for University Professor Recruitment
Shimla, September 2: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed the Himachal Pradesh State University (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by voice vote on Wednesday. With this bills approval, the recruitment of professors and other staff at all six government universities in the state is now set to proceed. These appointments will be conducted through the Himachal Pradesh Public ... Read more Himachal Pradesh Assembly Passes Bill for University Professor Recruitment
Heavy Rain Alert Issued for Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, September 2: A heavy rain alert has been issued for Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts in Himachal Pradesh. In the past 24 hours, several areas have recorded significant rainfall. Sandeep Sharma, a scientist at the Meteorological Center in Shimla, stated, Rainfall has occurred across Himachal Pradesh in the last 24 hours. Heavy rain was ... Read more Heavy Rain Alert Issued for Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Eases Property Transfer Regulations with New Stamp Duty Rules
Shimla, September 1: The Sukhu government of Himachal Pradesh has announced significant changes to the rules governing property transactions and registrations. During the monsoon session of the assembly, the government revealed plans to amend stamp duty regulations to make property transfers between women and family members easier and more affordable. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi ... Read more Himachal Pradesh Eases Property Transfer Regulations with New Stamp Duty Rules
Himachal Pradesh Speaker Demands Answers on Public Issues
Shimla, September 1: Kuldeep Singh Pathania, the Speaker of Himachal Pradesh, has called for responses from relevant departments to ensure a swift resolution to public grievances raised during the Assemblys Zero Hour on Monday. Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party highlighted serious concerns regarding the poor state of electricity supply, discrepancies in revenue records, and ... Read more Himachal Pradesh Speaker Demands Answers on Public Issues
BJP Legislators Meet in Shimla to Discuss Upcoming Assembly Session
Shimla, September 1: A significant meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislative party took place in Shimla, chaired by Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur. The partys state in-charge, Shrikant Sharma, attended the meeting to discuss key issues. State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal and Organization Secretary Siddharthan were also present. ... Read more BJP Legislators Meet in Shimla to Discuss Upcoming Assembly Session
PM Modis 25 Years of Public Service to be Celebrated with Seva Ka Diya on September 17
Shimla, August 31: Rajeev Bindal, the President of the BJP in Himachal Pradesh, announced on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will complete 25 years of public service as Chief Minister and Prime Minister on October 7. To commemorate this milestone, citizens are encouraged to light a Seva Ka Diya in their homes on September ... Read more PM Modis 25 Years of Public Service to be Celebrated with Seva Ka Diya on September 17
Landslide disrupts Shimla-Kalka rail services, 4 trains cancelled till September 1
Landslide disrupts ShimlaKalka rail services trains cancelled till September
